S.02 · Service
Press line automation
We automate the whole line or whatever part you are missing: destacking, vision-guided loader, press-to-press handling, unloading, inspection, stacking and racking. On new lines or lines already in production.
Request a technical proposal ↗
Simulation · APRI press line- Scope
- Full line · station by station
- Lines
- New · in production
- Delivery
- Workshop FAT · commissioning
- Robots
- ABB · KUKA · FANUC
Why us for press lines
It is where we started. Before founding APRI, the partners had already programmed and commissioned complete press lines in twelve countries across Europe, the Americas, Africa and Asia: press-to-press robots, loader vision and automatic tool change, on new lines and in robot replacements on lines already in production.
01 · What it includes
Each item can be contracted separately or as part of a turnkey project.
Destacking
Blank separation and line feeding.
Vision-guided loader
The camera locates the blank and the robot loads it centred into the first press.
Press-to-press
Press-to-press handling synchronised with every stroke.
Unloading
Picking the part at the exit of the last press.
Inspection
In-line part inspection with 2D or 3D vision.
Stacking and racking
Parts into containers or racks at the end of the line.
02 · How we work
Everything that can be tested before the shutdown is tested before.
- 01
Visit and initial data
We look at the machine or the line, measure the cycle and ask you for the part or its CAD, the layout and photos.
DELIVERABLE · Initial data - 02
Layout and simulation
The cell in 3D with the real robot: reach, interference and simulated cycle. The first proposal is free of charge.
DELIVERABLE · Proposal with layout and cycle time - 03
Manufacturing and programming
The mechanical parts are manufactured and we program the robot, PLC, vision and HMI.
DELIVERABLE · Programs and documentation - 04
FAT in our workshop
We build the complete cell in Ortuella and test it, with you present if you wish.
DELIVERABLE · FAT report - 05
Commissioning
Installation at your plant, tuning to production rate and training for production and maintenance staff.
DELIVERABLE · Acceptance certificate - 06
Support
Remote and on-site support for as long as the line runs. Software is handed over open, except proprietary software.
DELIVERABLE · Program backups
03 · To give you a price
What we need from you.
- Line layout and press models.
- Parts the line makes and the strokes per minute you need.
- When your planned shutdown is.
- The plant's robot and PLC standard.
The first proposal, with the cell placed in your plant, is free of charge.
04 · Technology
What we use.
If your plant has a different robot, PLC or vision standard, we work within it.
05 · Related project
PlantPress line · Estampaciones Rubí
We programmed every KUKA robot on the line, between the Fagor presses. The video shows the line in ghost mode: the full cycle without sheet metal to check paths and synchronisation before running parts.
Questions
About press line automation.
Can you automate just part of the line?
Yes. We often take on a single operation: unloading, stacking, racking, the vision-guided loader or inspection. The rest of the line stays as it is.
Do you work on lines already in production?
Yes. We plan the job around the scheduled shutdown and arrive with the cell already tested in our workshop, so at the plant it only needs installing and tuning.
What is ghost mode?
The line runs the full cycle without sheet metal. It is used to check paths and synchronisation with every press stroke before running parts.
Other services
Have you got a planned shutdown coming up?
The sooner we know about it, the more work we can do before we reach your plant. An engineer will reply.